Bonnie Fletcher Barbee

Bonnie Fletcher Barbee, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2025. She dedicated 32 years of her life to the Wilson County School System, spending 22 of those years as an elementary school teacher, where she touched the lives of countless children and families. Bonnie had a rare gift for nurturing and inspiring those around her, always putting others first with a warm heart and a gentle spirit.

Born on November 8, 1953, Bonnie was the youngest of 11 children, born to Walter Woodrow Fletcher and Mary Ward Fletcher. She was cherished by everyone she met, and her kindness and generosity were evident in all she did. Whether through her passion for teaching, her unwavering support of loved ones, or her ability to lift others up in difficult times, Bonnie made a lasting impact on everyone she encountered.

She found joy in the simple pleasures of life—spending time with family, cooking, completing puzzles, traveling, and relaxing at her place in Atlantic Beach. She especially treasured watching her five beautiful granddaughters participate in their many athletic events, always their biggest fan.

A lifelong learner, Bonnie earned her Master’s degree in Instructional Technology and Computing from East Carolina University in 1999. Her dedication to education extended beyond the classroom, leaving a lasting impact on her students, colleagues, and community.

Bonnie was an active member of Horne’s Methodist Church since 2022 and previously a devoted member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church for over 40 years. Her faith was a guiding light in her life, and she found great joy in serving her church and community.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her father, Walter Fletcher; her mother, Mary Fletcher; her brothers, Dan Fletcher, Ray Fletcher, and John Fletcher; and her sisters, Barbara Odom, Charlotte McCotter, and Mary Evelyn “Bitsy” Fletcher.

She is survived by her loving husband, Bill Barbee; her sons, Bill Barbee Jr. and Randal Barbee (Katie) of Holly Springs; her brother, Doug Fletcher of Timberlake; her sisters, Brenda Perry (Felton) of Durham, NC, Teresa Fletcher-Lay of Stem, and Ruby Griffin (Stuart) of Durham, NC. She was a devoted grandmother to her five beautiful granddaughters: Nevaeh Nicole Barbee, Rylee Ann Barbee, Morgan Rose Barbee, Gabriella Marie Barbee, and Payton Elizabeth Barbee.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bonnie’s life at two services:

Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 1:00 PM – A celebration of life service at her beloved Horne’s Methodist Church, 165 W Hornes Church Rd, Wilson, NC 27896.
Thursday, March 20, 2025 – Visitation from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, followed by a celebration of life service in the chapel at Hudson Funeral Home, 211 S Miami Blvd, Durham, NC 27703.

Bonnie’s love, wisdom, and unwavering support will be deeply missed but forever cherished by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Flowers are acceptable or donations to Horne’s Methodist Church, 165 W Hornes Church Rd, Wilson, NC 27896.